Man's sweater
c. 1920
Wool
Museum purchase
Object numberP89.57.36
Early football uniforms did not include large pads or helmets, but they were made out of durable materials like wool or canvas to withstand the high-contact nature of the game. Here, the pants provide some padding, but not the top. Colors help distinguish teams—historically, team hues might flood a top, as here, or simply appear in bands around the upper arm, which remains a signature element of football jerseys.
DescriptionMan's dark red wool knit sweater with white letters BU knit on center front; pullover; open round neck; long sleeve; ribknit cuff and hemExhibitions